Thanks for your interest in Whitetails Grande Inc. We have recently expanded into an exciting new territory 2.5 hours north of our existing area. We are located in western Saskatchewan which tends to have less snow than the eastern parts of the province. This wilderness area is home to some huge Whitetail deer; it is virtually unhunted since the access is very difficult which is why this area is so alluring. Clients are transported by ATV to elevated stands and ground blinds over baits which could be miles from any roads and you could be hunting stands that has never been hunted. This is a true wilderness experience; once you are in camp you will not see any civilization for a week. Quite possibly the only noise you will hear at your stand all week will be the ATV transportation provided to get to your stand. Be prepared for the experience of a lifetime. We have barely tapped into the potential of this area.

We have a huge area of close to 1000 sqare miles. Of course we don't hunt the whole area and there are a number of lakes in the area but this gives us the opportunity to hunt the most productive areas. It also gives us the opportunity to hunt areas that are not hunted by other people thus we can manage our whitetails the way we want. The Whitetails are firmly established as it offers excellent habitat and recent timber harvesting and fires have improved it for the area Whitetails. These areas we hunt are full of highly nutritious feed. I Identified 4 types of Legumes alone in this area 2 types of Clovers, Vetches, Pea vines and many natural fruits. The population is strong with some tremendous genetics surviving the tough winters. Hunters are amazed at the size of these Deer. Natural selection has produced a huge bodied animal able to cope with its environment. The antlers are in proportion to their huge bodies and exhibit mass and a strong 10 point typical frame tendency with some extra junk.

We like to keep stands a minimum 1- 2 miles apart depending on terrain. Any closer and the bucks have too many options, any further and you may not be bringing in all the does in a given area thus not getting all the action at the bait sites. The less stands you have out the greater the odds of a buck being at any given stand. We try to set around 100 yards for rifle. Depending on location and deer travel may be slightly closer or out to 100 yards. The type of area we select for a stand is edge habitat with plenty of security options with a natural food source close by and plenty of deer activity in the area. The stands are supplemented with an all natural mineral making sure the deer are healthy and receiving all the minerals they need to grow bragging size racks. We have been using the mineral supplements since we took over the area a couple of years ago. These licks are used heavily and only rocks in holes remain in just a couple of years. We have the area trapper employed as a guide and he knows all the secret little places as all this information has been passed down to him from his grandfather and uncle who trapped the area before him. He also keeps the area predator population under control ensuring we have excellent herd recruitment.

We are planning our hunts for the month of November. From what I have seen this is when you could expect to get your best chance at the big bucks as there will be does coming into heat. Nature has condensed the rut with very little Dec. rutting, this is because over the years any late breeders have been culled out by the harsh environment. We optimize the success for mature Whitetail bucks because we bait the deer with pellets and alfalfa. We will have the does concentrating on baits which will bring in the big bucks. The pellets we provide for our feeding program are 19% protein and packed with 7% fat, vitamins and our mineral to help the herd through this stressful time. We want the rutting bucks to get the most out of every bite they take because they are not eating much to help them survive the winters. Our idea is to give the herd a couple more months of highly nutritious feed to get them through the Rut and into winter in good shape. We feel this is highly beneficial to the Bucks as this is the most stressful time of the year for them. You do have to be careful on what you feed them as well because they are eating very little so you want something that is high energy yet safe for their rumens.

Many Outfitters unintentionally hurt their herds' potential by causing Rumen upset by feeding Oats or Barley. After a buck has been off feed for the rut and starts on Oats or Barley their rumen being unaccustomed to this becomes out of balance and becomes acidic. This can cause Rumen overload that can affect the bucks' survival, antler growth potential or even cause its death if bad enough. Our pellets have built in safeguards so this problem is eliminated. The 7% fat which will never cause acidosis has 4 times the energy that a buck can get from any grain or natural forage. This will help us carry more bucks through the winter.

This season there have been many good bucks seen that were passed by hunters because they were not mature we really appreciate these hunter's. All hunters this year did a great job. There was also some monsters that were seen that due to just plain bad luck slipped away unscathed but will be there again next year. Nature always is tough on these Wilderness Whitetails but that is what has shaped them into the large framed and tough animals they are. Our feed and management will help more bucks come through winters in better shape and we always look forward to next season.

This hunt is for the truly dedicated hunter. If you are a shooter or whiner this hunt is not for you! Due to the nature of this Wilderness area each year brings new challenges. Mother Nature deals out many variables but when it all comes together some of the best Whitetails in Canada are produced here. Deer scoring 190+ 'Boone Crockett' points have been taken in this part of Saskatchewan. We request all our hunters pass up immature bucks thus in the giving everyone hunting with us the opportunity at a mature quality animal. Come and enjoy the hunt for a great experience and the opportunity to take a GREAT WILDERNESS WHITETAIL. If you have never hunted the Canadian Wilderness this will be an experience.

This year we will be hunting out of the very nice North Haven Lodge on Canoe Lake or the Niska Channel out camp. We have an excellent cooks and will have the excellent home style hearty meals we always get compliments on. The accommodations are warm and comfortable with all the amenities, showers, kitchen, sitting area with TV. Two hunters / Bedroom.

click here for map >

Available in 2009: Nov 2, Nov 9, Nov 16 and 23rd. 8 spots / week at North Haven Lodge
Nov 16 and 23rd 8 spots / week at Niska Outcamp
To arrange a hunt contact Darrell or Shirley Parker by phone at (306)-248-3653 or e-mail northridge@sasktel. You may also contact Nick Micalizzi at 802.747.3009 or e-mail presimage@aol.com.

• Book AS SOON AS POSSIBLE we are expecting to book up early.

• Please make cheques payable to WHITETAILS GRANDE INC.

• $4000 US plus 5% GST North Haven Lodge

•4200 US plus 5% GST Niska Outcamp.

• 50% non refundable deposit required with booking. Remainder due 60 days prior to arrival.

• If the original date has to be cancelled, a new date can be arranged in the same year if space is available, or the deposit can be transferred to another hunter.

• We recommend staying at the Following Hotels:

Hotel Information (Saskatoon Hotels)

•Saskatoon Inn 1-800-667-8789 www.saskatooninn.com
• Sandman Hotel 1-800-726-3626 1-306-477-4844
• Travel Lodge 1-800-578-7878 www.travelodgesaskatoon.com
• Holiday Inn 1-306-384-8844 www.hiexpress.com
• Heritage Inn 1-888-888-4374 www.heritageinn.net/saskatoon.php
• Ramada Hotel 1-306-665-6500 www.ramada.com
• Best Western 1-306-244-5552
• Super 8 1-306-384-8989 www.super8.com
• Country Inn 1-306-934-3900 www.countryinns.com
• Thriftlodge Saskatoon 1-877-847-4388
• Days Inn 1-800-329-7466 www.mydaysinn.ca
• Riviera Motor Inn 1-306-242-7272 www.rivieramotorinn.com

To avoid problems or disappointment please book hotels and flights early. Many of our whitetail hunters make their reservations in January or February to ensure preferred hotel and flight dates.

• You will be picked up at the Saskatoon Inn the day before your hunt begins. You will then be transported to pick up your licenses and check your rifles. Shooting range with targets will be provided.

• Experienced guides provide daily transportation to and from the hunting area as well as field care and cape your trophy.

• We manage this area as a pristine trophy area, as such you are expected to harvest a mature trophy, minimum score 140@ gross, we allow 10'' of grace with no charge, below which a $50/inch penalty will be implemented with no exceptions. Mature basic 8 pointers have a minimum 130@ gross, we allow 10'' of grace with no charge, below which a $50/inch penalty will be implemented with no exceptions.

• On Saturday prior to your departure flight home, transportation will be provided to your hotel near the airport.

• If you tag out early a driver can be hired to provide transportation for an early departure back home.

• Hunting takes place from Monday until noon Saturday.

• For repeat clients the option of leaving all clothing, boots and personal items behind and stored in a secure storage area, so as not to transport these items back and forth each year.

• Pre-firearm registration may be done by Canada Custom and Revenue Agency 2130, Airport Drive B Saskatoon, SK. S7L 6M6 or Phone # 1 306-975-4755 B Fax # 1 306-975-5917. $50.00 (Canadian Funds)

• You can obtain an application form/ information by calling 1-800-731-400 Or by downloading them from their web site www.cfc.gc.ca

PERSONAL CLOTHING RECOMMENDATIONS

These hunts can be under harsh conditions, so know your limitations. Since temperatures can vary widely to plus 20 degrees to minus 20 degrees; we recommend you bring the following clothing apparel:

• One well insulated 4 in 1 parka, one well insulated bib overall
• One pair of well insulated hunting pack boots or one pair of 1400 grams of thinsulation or more
• One insulated bomber cap, one fleece or wool orange stocking cap
• One pair of quality insulated gloves or mittens
• One fleece face mask
• One pair of insulated "Ice Breaker" boot blanket over boots
• One "Ice Breaker" insulated hand muff
• One pair of medium and one pair of heavy long underwear
• One set of white Cabela's cover-ups
• One large hunting back pack
• One Thermos
• Enough "Heatmax" hand warmers and toasty toes to last the entire six day hunt
• One soft gun case
• Foam Pad cusion
• Urine Jug
• Plus all other personal items required for your hunt

The above-mentioned list will make your hunting experience much more enjoyable if the weather becomes cold, or with heavy snow conditions.